“They had the opportunity two or three weeks ago to close the gap on Spurs, but at Newcastle away they didn’t turn up for 45 minutes.

“They are more than capable of getting to the top four. They are saying to take their time because of their new stadium, but this time is right.”

West Ham have generally been more impressive when allowed to play on the counter this season, and they have picked up some memorable results.

The Hammers have done the double over Liverpool this season, while they have also beaten Manchester City, Arsenal and Chelsea.

That good form has pushed them up to sixth in the standings, but they have also suffered damaging defeats against the likes of struggling Bournemouth and Newcastle United, while they also could only manage a draw with bottom of the table Aston Villa.

The Hammers have a chance to show that they can perform when they are the favourites later this evening, when they host Villa looking to pick up their first win in four matches.

John Verrall

John is a sports journalism graduate from Staffordshire University. He is a huge football fan and a minute-by-minute writer for UEFA.com, as well as being a freelance writer for Sports New Media. John has also seen his work been published by the likes of The Guardian, World Soccer and Shoot Magazine over the course of his bourgeoning journalism career so far. He has a particular expertise in all things to do with the Football League – and is a passionate Peterborough United fan.